Topeka, KS; Nov 15, 2010. Governor Mark Parkinson and Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Don Jordan presented Kansas’ first-annual 2010 Governor’s Excellence Awards to communityworks inc at a ceremony in the Kansas Statehouse today. The award recognizes communityworks inc for their exceptional commitment to assisting and empowering Kansans with disabilities.
“Just a few short months ago, I was honored to establish these awards and pay tribute to those who devote their time and their energy to helping individuals with disabilities thrive in their communities,” said Parkinson. “These extraordinary Kansans are a testament to our state’s commitment to providing the utmost care and support to our citizens.”
The Governor’s Excellence Awards recognized communityworks inc “for exhibiting a strong ability as an Agency to Help Individuals with Disabilities Achieve Self-Sufficiency Through Independent Living Skills and Individualized Employment.”
Communityworks inc was founded by Dr. Janet M. Willliams in 1991 to assist people with brain injuries and other disabilities. The team has developed a model that gives control back to the individual with a disability by coordinating community services with one comprehensive tailored plan. Service locations include Topeka, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Kansas City, Overland Park and surrounding areas.
“Over the years, Kansas has developed a statewide network of provider organizations and individuals committed to the state’s vision of community and home-based care and support of individuals with disabilities,” said Jordan. “Today’s honorees represent the finest of this commitment which empowers those with disabilities to live active, independent and fully engaged lives.”
Governor Parkinson established the Governor’s Excellence Awards through Executive Order 10-09 to be awarded annually. The secretary of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services received all nominations before submitting them to the governor for a final decision. Other disability service providers that were nominated for each category were also recognized by the governor and the secretary.
Upon hearing the announcement of the recognition, consumers and professionals who have worked with communityworks inc shared their thoughts:
“They made my dreams come true. communityworks inc helped me move from a nursing home to my OWN home. People say it’s impossible, but they get it done. I take my hat off to them.” Bob Kania, of Lawrence, KS.
“We change individuals’ and families’ views of themselves as capable and contributing members when we take the approach that communityworks inc takes to support an otherwise vulnerable population. They expect the individuals and families they serve to be competent, successful and contributing members of their neighborhoods and towns.” Winnie Dunn PhD OTR FAOTA
Professor, University of Kansas
###
